#I wouldn’t put even put peaky blinders or community on this list

[wittyno]

What is a piece of media you hate but think way too much about?

I’ll go first: BBC Sherlock

[siriuslyshewrote]

5AM - Finn Shelby x Reader

Requested by @violetsdicaprio “Okay so, can I request a Finn Shelby fic where he uses the prompt “you’re safe, you’re safe, you’re safe.” Maybe Season 4 when Changretta is there and he has ordered an attack on the reader maybe because she found out something, like she overheard something in a bar?” Hope you enjoy it love xx

We run into a dark room, And we spasm to the sounds

You shouldn’t even have been at that bar in the first place, You should have been at a Shelby family meeting (something which you had been introduced to a few months ago, when Finn and yourself had gotten engaged,), but for the first time, you blew it off. That was what bugged you afterwards, and if you could communicate with your past self, you would scream not to agree to a night out with your sister and her husband. But you did. You were excited, not having seen your sister since she found out she was pregnant several weeks ago, due to clashed schedules, and a hell of a lot of work commitments - because working at the Shelby Company wasn’t your typical nine to five job -  you had yet to congratulate her in person. Finn was supposed to be accompanying you, but he had said he couldn’t at the last minute, saying Polly had insisted he was at the meeting (and wasn’t best pleased that you weren’t going to be there, either).

And so, that was how you had found yourself in your current situation, irritated at Finn after yet another argument,  tired from work, with the swollen ankles that came from the precariously high heels you insisted on wearing. You were nursing your second glass of a rather strong whiskey, standing and waiting for your sister, who was never on time, as scatterbrained as she was. You half had zoned out looking around at the people in the bar, laughing and dancing to jazz music. You looked at a young couple, smiling at each other, positively lost in each other’s eyes, and wondered just when Finn and you had lost that childhood sweetheart innocence.

You were half in another world, until you heard the utterance of ‘Shelby’ behind you, in a thick accent that sounded rather suspiciously Italian. 

Of a copy of Morrissey , Or the blues of the Deep South

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

You barely even moved whilst you tried to listen to what the men were saying. They probably didn’t expect for anyone associated with the Shelby’s to be here, in this bar several miles away from Watery Lane, a place that was nowhere near where the Peaky boys patrolled, with their guns that gleamed in the light of the streetlamps, that inspired fear in others, but a feeling of safety in you. They were speaking English, surely a way for them to fit in more with the scenery around you, to not arise any suspicion, but you’d know that accent anywhere. It had been drilled into you, practically, and as one of the men said Luca in a low tone, you knew it was the Changretta’s sat behind you. You should have ran then, sprinted away, never looked back. But you stayed, swirling your drink in your glass, watching the intoxicating amber liquid go round and round and round.

And the drugs will only hide it

“You are being stupid, Luca.” A man’s voice spoke harshly.

That fucking name Luca. The name of the man who had so ruthlessly and callously ordered his men to kill your future brother-in-law only weeks ago. He had had no thought about Esme, a woman who you loved like a sister, or John’s seven children, or his youngest brother who was slowly being forced to take John himself’s role, a role that distorted Finn so quickly it was like you had woke up one morning next to a completely different man. No, Luca Changretta hadn’t thought of any of this, and you would be happy to see him put to a stop.

The feeling never really goes “Attacking them in their own home? It is suicide, my boy.” The words he spoke were so filled with meaning that you half froze in your chair. You were sure that their was only one family that they could be talking about.

“I guess we will see tonight, if you are correct. But it was not so difficult to kill the last one, now was it?” A gloating voice, one that must have been Luca spoke, and it was all you could do to not turn around in your seat and punch him for his words. 

Your hand shook slightly, as you placed the glass down on the counter again, picking up your bag from where it had been, and slipping from your seat, a poor attempt to look casual, pushing through the doors into the cold early January air, your breath fogging in front of you, as your heart beat so violently and loudly that you heard it in your ears.

You had to warn them. At any moment Luca’s men could be at their door. You squeezed your eyes closed for a moment, trying not to picture it, not to think of Finn, because if you thought of Finn you would panic, and you couldn’t, not right now. You pulled off your high heels, feet hitting the frosted cobblestones, as you made to begin to run. You barely made it a few meters, before you heard the click behind you, the calm, cool voice.

And we won’t find love, at the bottom of a glassy hole. 

“Y/N Shelby! A pleasure to finally meet you.”

You turned, raising your hands slightly, to see Luca, standing alone, smoking a cigarette, his eyes calculating and humourous, locked with your own. He looked so casual, that to anyone else, it would look as if you two were just having a conversation, albeit one at gunpoint, the gun you could see now, aimed directly at your abdomen. If he shot it, it would guarantee a rather slow, horrifically painful, death for you.

“Y/N L/N, actually.” You snapped, your mind whirring, telling you to keep him talking, until you could figure out some fucking way to get out of this. You could feel the cool metal of your own gun, strapped to your thigh, but there was no way you could grab it without him realising.

And you don't know what you've got until it's gone

“Ah yes, you haven’t quite sealed the deal yet, have you?” He exhaled the smoke from his cigarette, as he walked closer to you, until he was only half a metre away, and you could smell the smoke. “When is the wedding?”

“We’re not going to have one of you keep killing off my guest list.” You spoke sardonically, trying not to seem as deathly afraid as you were. To Tommy, or Arthur, or even Finn, this wouldn’t be a big deal, you thought. They’d have plans for this sort of thing, but this was your first time being held at gun point. You wondered if it was the sort of thing you got a cake for at Shelby Limited, like normal companies did for an achievement.

He laughed, though his eyes didn’t express any emotion.

“You’re a funny girl, Miss L/N. It’s a shame, really, that I have to do this.” He gestured towards the gun. “But, needs must. You overheard my conversation, didn’t you?”

He stepped even closer, and you were almost sure you could hit him with the element of surprise, hit his gun from his hands. But your shaking hands betrayed that thought. What if it didn’t work? What then?

And you don't know who to love until you're lost

“You really do have to be fucking stupid if you don’t think that Tommy won’t have preempted any of the shit you plan to pull.” You spat, lowering your hands a tiny fraction. He didn’t notice.

“He seems rather distracted lately, doesn’t he? And anyone in Birmingham can tell you about the... ah, what should we call them? Cracks that are beginning to show in the Shelby family.”

“Perhaps he is distracted because your family murdered his fucking wife, Changretta.” Your hands were now barely raised, but he was distracted, each of your staring into the others eyes - fear and anger versus power and arrogance.

“As he killed my father.”

“This is nothing to do with me. Just let me go, okay?”

“You have already ruined my plans. Someone will have already found your boyfriend, I assume, and he and the rest of the Shelby’s will be on their way here.”

“So go. You know you can’t win against them. Not tonight.” Your heart was thrumming in your ears so loudly everything felt almost quiet in comparison.

And you don't know how to feel until the moment's passed

“But I can take something from them. Your time is up, Miss Shelby.”

“Y/N?” You heard a yell, an almost terrified one, but it was at least a street away. Finn would never get here in time.

Changretta turned his head towards the noise, and you took that moment, grabbing the gun in his hands, trying to wrestle it out of them, desperately. There was a bang and then there was silence, and the gun slipped from between your fingers, clattered to the floor. Your eyes regarded Changretta with shock, as your knees began to buckle, and you landed onto the cold hard cobbles, hands trying to find what was wrong.

“I’m sorry I had to do this.” For a second, you almost thought he sounded genuinely sad. “But your family took something from me. Now, I must take everything from them.”

“Y/N!” The voice was louder now, and you turned, to see a group of men at the top of the street - Finn amongst them. They came too late.

I wish you'd live like you're made of glass

You turned back to Changretta , but he had already gone, disappeared into the shadows.

It only felt like seconds before Finn was in front of you, and you had raised a shaky hand to point the direction where Luca Changretta had gone, directing the rest of the Blinders with him. Soon, the way it had always been, it was just the two of you. Finn and Y/N.

His eyes scanned you for injuries, before they landed on your abdomen, the dim streetlights enough to see the scarlet liquid on your dress, spreading across the cobblestones. It was too much, for such a small person, you thought. You weren’t shocked, as you saw it, you knew as soon as the gun went off you were hit, and now you could feel the metal bullet, lodged somewhere inside you, feel the pain that extended to your fingers and toes.

“No.” He said quietly, his eyes locking with yours. “No.”

“Finn-“ Your hands reaches out to cup his face, the blood on them leaving marks on his cheeks, but you didn’t care. You wanted to feel his warmth. You were so cold. So fucking cold.

“I need an ambulance.” He roared, looking towards the pub where you had been only ten minutes before, where several people were looking out at the scene. “Right fucking now!”

They weren’t ones to ignore a Shelby, and so they dissapearwd from the window. You knew it would do no good. You knew you-

And we've got work in the morning, But it's nearly 5 a.m.

“I’m going to die Finn.” Your eyes were filled with tears, as were his, as he tried to press your wound, ripping off his jacket, holding it against your abdomen.

“No you’re not. You’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay.” He repeated like a mantra, his voice shaky and cracking at every word.

Finn knew death. He had seen what felt like a hundred people die, had been the cause of several, and he knew from the look in your eyes, the paleness of your skin, that this was the end. Somewhere, deep down, he knew you were going to die, right there, on this rainy street, cold, and scared. He knew he could do nothing about it.

“It’s okay, Finny.” You said gently, hands still caressing his face. “You’re here. That’s all I need.”

“Don’t die on me now, yeah? Please.” That word, filled with so much emotion, as he almost begged you.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry we argued ... tonight. I just ...” You trailed off, your mind not really working, not letting you find the words. God, it hurt so fucking much. In the distance, you thought you heard the ambulance.

“It’s fine. It’s fine.”

You nodded, leaning up against the wall behind you, feeling the cold start to set into your bones. The world felt almost fuzzy. You looked up, into the night sky. The pollution in Birmingham never allowed for stars in the sky, but you wished you could see them, right now.

You felt your eyes become heavier, like someone was weighing them down with pennies.

Is this really what we envisioned?

“Love you.” You mumbled, looking back to Finn. He was crying freely now, and you wanted to wipe away the tears, but it felt like you had forgotten how to move.

“Come on, the ambulance is almost here. Just a few more minutes.”

You shook your head, a tiny movement. You smiled at the boy, the boy who had made the last five years of your life bearable, who was your first, and last, love. You thought about the house you were planning on buying together, and the crib that you one day were going to have, and the honey suckle in the garden.

And you closed your eyes.

We won't be 21 again

[ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes]

Blue Eyes *Alfie Solomons Fic*

Summary: After the Garrison is shot up, the youngest Shelby daughter finds a new home in London. She strips herself of her last name and tries to live a peaceful life far away from her brothers' chaos in Birmingham. But fate leads her right back into it after she runs into Alfie Solomons.

*Cross posted on AO3 and Wattpad

        The Garrison was alive just like every night. The Shelbys were entertaining the regulars from Small Heath. A tight-knit community of Brummies drinking their cares away now that the Great War was finally over and done with. While the demons lingered, they could ignore them for a brief moment with shots of whiskey and gin.

           Ella Shelby was laughing at her eldest brother’s antics. She was a welcome sight at the bar. The youngest daughter of the Shelbys, just a bit older than Finn. Birmingham was her realm as her brother ruled with an iron fist. No one touched, looked, or spoke ill about Ella Shelby. Anyone who did would disappear, never to be heard of again.

           Having grown up during the building of Shelby Company Limited, Ella was veiled from the dirty work. But she frequented the betting shop, learned from Polly, and doing what she could to help her brothers. She was closest to Tommy, despite the ten-year age difference between them. He and Arthur practically raised her and the other younger Shelbys. She was the apple of his eye, his Ella, and he protected her ferociously. As Tommy staked his claim, he spoiled his sister as well as the rest of his family. They were raised as Travelers, scrounging and only having each other. But as long as he was around he would give them the life he felt they deserved. He bought her horses and let her get a taste of the luxury they never knew.

           The Romani princess of Birmingham.

~~~~~~~~~

           “A toast to baby Ella.” Arthur bellowed, holding up his glass of gin. “Our beautiful sister is growing up so fast.”

           Ella’s cheeks burned as the rowdy bar turned their attention to her. “Arthur, please…” She shoved him.

           But the eldest Shelby was already drunk and had no filter. “Nineteen! Last I remember you were just a little thing toddling ‘round the wagon, begging for a horse of your own.”

           “Now she has one for every day of the week.” Tommy piped up as he lit another cigarette.

           “We’ve come a long way.” Arthur nodded. “By the time you turn twenty, we’ll be ruling London!” He crowed boastfully. The crowd cheered and raised their glasses.

           A bit soberer than her brothers, Ella just rolled her eyes and shook her head. They truly were like Ancient Rome in their desire of expanding their empire. Nothing was ever enough for the Shelby boys, they always wanted more, no matter the cost.

           The bar was so loud that people barely heard the gun go off. But the shattering windows grabbed everyone’s attention.

           Tommy sobered up immediately and pushed Ella to the ground. “Gun!” He shouted. The barmaids screamed as rapid-fire hit the tables, chairs, the bar, and bottles. Glass shattered and rained down from the shelves behind the bar. Wood splintered as bullets lodged in tables and chairs.

           Ella held a hand over her head and prayed. It was the first time she’d been put in the middle of chronic violence. Her seasoned brothers whipped out their own guns to return fire.

           Tears streamed down her face as the shots seemed to never end. She pinched her eyes closed and it felt like the entire bar was crashing around her.

           After just half a minute, the frightening sounds finally ceased.

           “Ella, are you okay?” Arthur knelt down next to her and helped her up. “Were you hit?” He held her arms, making sure she wasn’t bleeding.

           She trembled as her older brother hugged her close. She couldn’t even answer him. Her body was numb but she knew she hadn’t been shot. She could hear Tommy barking out orders to find out whoever shot up the bar. People carefully got up, assessing the damage. Some people had been grazed but no one was fatally hit. She glanced over Arthur’s shoulder and saw a man holding his side. Blood seeped through his shirt and Ella felt sick at the sight. Her head spun and she had to press her face to Arthur’s shoulder so she didn’t vomit.

           Her ears were ringing for nearly an hour after the attack. She stood against the wall, her eyes shifty and paranoid. Their kingdom had been exposed and Birmingham would never look the same to Ella.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

           “Come in.”

           Ella cleared her throat and walked into Tommy’s office. “Are you busy?” She asked quietly. “I need to speak with you.”

           Her brother glanced up from his paperwork. “Not too busy to talk.” He held out a hand, allowing her to sit. “Do you need something?” He stubbed out a cigarette in a crystal ashtray.

           She sat down across the desk from her brother. “I’ve been thinking.” The young woman pressed her fingernails into her palms. “I’ve decided to go to London.”

           “Yeah? For the weekend?” Tommy never imagined what she announced to him next. He was quite content with keeping his family close. If he needed them for anything or if he needed to make sure they were safe, they’d always be nearby.

           “No, to live there.”

           He looked up at her, his eyebrows furrowed over his icy blue eyes. Confusion crossed his face for a moment but simply shook his head. “No.” He answered curtly and looked back down to his work. That’s where he was going to leave the conversation. Most people wouldn’t push the issue when they were denied. But Ella was not afraid of him.

           “I wasn’t asking for your permission.” Her jaw clenched.

           “You belong in Birmingham, not in London.” He replied. “You’re safe here where we can watch after you.”

           “Safe?” She let out a sarcastic laugh. “You’re kidding me, right? I’m not fucking safe here, Tommy.” She snapped at her brother. “We were all almost killed in our own pub!”

           He cleared his throat and averted his eyes. Truth be told, Tommy had blamed himself for the mess on his sister’s birthday. They’d managed to track down the men responsible and give them a fitting execution. But he knew that wasn’t the end of it. The Irish were ready to start a war and Tommy wasn’t about to back down. He didn’t want to involve his baby sister but he didn’t want her in London either. “Why London?” He asked.

           Ella pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest. “Where else would I go? Ada’s there.”

           Tommy nodded. “You don’t trust I can keep you safe?”

           She let out a noise of disgruntlement. “Will you stop? I never wanted to be a part of this. I thought…I thought that maybe I could ignore it forever but I can’t. You, of all people, should’ve realized it would affect me one day. You’ve made Small Heath into a warzone for what?” Her forehead creased. “So you can be on top? It’ll catch up to you one day, Tommy, you know that.”

           He glanced out the window. “If you want to go to London, I can’t stop you. But don’t think that its safer there for you than it is here. You’re a Shelby and you should never let your guard down.”

           Ella stood up. “Maybe I don’t want to be a Shelby anymore.”

           Her brother raised an eyebrow, his icy-blue eyes flicking back to her.

           “Not if this is what it means to be a Shelby. I’m not sacrificing my life for some fucking pissing contest between men.” She turned to leave the office. She hesitated for a moment and looked back at him. “There is more to life, Tom.”

           “Go live your life then, El, not chaining you to your room am I?” He retorted. Tommy couldn’t exactly beg for her to stay. She wouldn’t change her mind and he’d just look foolish. But that didn’t mean he would break his promise to keep her safe.

           His sister rolled her eyes and left without a proper goodbye.

~~~~~~~~~~~

           “Where’s El?” Arthur hurried downstairs after passing by his sister’s room at Six Watery Lane. He had to do a double take when he discovered the room was empty. It was a stark change because his sister was never the neatest. She never made her bed, often had clothing strewn about the floor, and always a bouquet of fresh flowers on her vanity. But the room was completely stripped of all traces of her. The bed was made, the floor bare, and nothing was left on the vanity.

           Tommy sat in the parlor, a newspaper partially hiding his face. “She’s gone.”

           His older brother looked incredulous. “Gone? The fuck do you mean she’s gone?” He demanded.

           “She’s gone off to London like Ada.” He replied steadily.

           “Fucking say that again?” Arthur violently snatched the newspaper out of his hands and threw it to the side. “You telling me you let her leave? She ain’t old enough, Tommy!”

           “Says she doesn’t want to be a Shelby anymore.” He picked up his nearby glass of whiskey. “I can’t force her to stay anywhere, Arthur, she’s an adult.”

           “Barely!” Arthur grabbed the glass next and lobbed it at the wall.

           Tommy barely winced as the glass shattered. “It’s not like she’s gone to America, she’s not far.”

           “We’ve got enemies in London, Tom.” He hissed. “They’ll cut her throat once they find out who she is!”

           Tommy sighed and shook his head. “She’s changed her name. There aren’t any Ella Shelbys in London. But there is an Ella Thorne who lives suspiciously close to our Ada. I’d bet me best horse on that not being a coincidence.”

           Arthur’s face was turning red as he fumed. “So, you’re just going to forget she exists?”

           “Calm down.” He replied. “I’ve got men watching the apartment and Ada is keeping in touch with me. She’s safe. She’s found a job as a typist so she’s just trying to keep out eyesight.”

           At least Ada was near. Arthur had to take a few breaths to relax. He paced a few steps and grabbed the bottle of whiskey to take a swig. “This is bad, Tom.”

           “Don’t worry, I’m sure she’ll come home soon. She’ll miss being around family.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Permanent Tag list: @papa-geralt-of-cirilla​ @giftofdreams​

Masterpost

Masterlist

Let me know if you’d like to be tagged in future posts or anything Peaky Blinders!

[sammysreelreviews]

Counting Down My Top Ten Tv Shows Of The Decade

My last Tv decade list is finally here y’all. Is it weird that I’m very emotional posting this!? Before I start I have 3 movie decade lists coming up and the first list will be posted on December 6th so stay tuned! If you want to know exactly when they’ll be posted I have an instagram you can follow there >>> @sammysreelreviews. Ok back to business. I thought that listing shows that were still airing in the 2010’s would be insanely hard so I decided to only list shows that started in 2010 or later on I did this with my two previous lists also and will do this for the three upcoming movie decade lists. This list took me WEEKS so y’all better enjoy the fuck out of this. I know Pretty Little Liars was out in 2010 but it did not make the cut quality wise I hope y’all understand. Okay I’m done but I’d love y’all to comment your favorite shows of the last decade! Enjoy and as always, there will be ***SPOILERS!!!***

10. Atypical (2017 - ) Netflix

I’ve spoken about this like way too much but someone has to give it the respect it deserves! This show about a boy facing everyday problems while having autism is so wholesome and in a way motivating because Sam (Keir Gilchrist) never gives up. This show shows real family issues, someone battling with their sexuality, and real insight into the autism community which helps ends the stigma. This last season made me cry at the end because of Sam and Zahid’s (Nik Dodani) friendship and I’m so ready for the next season. Also Izzie (Fivel Stewart) fucking SUCKS I’m team Evan (Graham Rogers) all the way. Do what you want with that information.

9. Jane the Virgin (2014 - 2019) The CW

Gina Rodriguez may be dumb but Jane the Virgin is not. The premise of the show sounds batshit but it ended up being one of the most well written shows I’ve ever fucking seen. What’s starts as an artificial insemination ends in being one of the most heartfelt shows I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Ugh, the amount of tears that Jane the Virgin has caused me they should pay my therapy copay. While we’re here, Jane and Michael ( Brett Dier) deserved to be together and when they “killed” him off I literally stopped watching the show for a few months. I’ll miss Jane the Virgin a ton and I hope the CW puts out more content like this.

8. Big Little Lies (2017 - ) HBO

To say Big Little Lies was a pop culture phenomenon would be an understatement. In seven short episodes the ladies of Monterey made one of the biggest impacts HBO has ever seen. The cast is just amazing like Nicole Kidman is always incredible but extra incredible as Celeste and don’t even get me started about Meryl Streep’s performance in season 2. Wow. Big Little Lies is one of the best written and honestly one of the best acted shows ever. That scene in the season one finale where they realize Perry (Eric Northman Alexander Skarsgård) is the father of Jane’s (Shailene Woodley) child by only giving each other intuitive LOOKS!!! CHILLS. Should forever be taught in acting classes! I hope it’s over cause season 2 felt like a good place to end the stories but I wouldn’t mind seeing more Renata the fucking boss Klein (Laura Dern).

7. Peaky Blinders (2013 - ) BBC/Netflix

I’ve mentioned this too many times so I’ll keep this brief. Peaky Blinders is non stop drama and it’s actually addicting. I haven’t even watched the last season because I don’t want to wait for the next one. The Shelby family is one of the best on Tv and Peaky Blinders is one of the best gangster shows around. Also doesn’t hurt that Tom Hardy and Sam Claflin are on it.

6. On My Block (2018 - ) Netflix

Ugh I literally have put On My Block on at least 5 lists so can you please fucking watch this diverse funny dramatic show!?!?! It deals with the trials and tribulations of high school while also tackling gun violence and the repercussions of it. Also, Jamal (Brett Gray) and Abuela (Peggy Blow) are the best unlikely duo ever created.

5. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015 - 2019) Netflix

The love I have for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is indescribable. It’s one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen and I have rewatched it at least 5 times. Everyone who knows me says I’m exactly like Titus (Tituss Burgess) and they’re completely right. If you want more info on it I wrote about it here.

4. Narcos (2015 - 2017) Netflix

Narcos Narcos Narcos. If you read this blog you’d know it’s one of my favorite shows ever so I’m not even gonna bother to talk about it cause you can see me explain it here. Watch the fucking show.

3. Love/Hate (2010 - 2014) RTÉ One

I’m not going to lie I only started watching this show cause I had an insane Robert Sheehan phase because of Misfits. I mean the phase isn’t over but it’s just not as INSANE as it was back then. This show is like the Irish Sopranos but BETTER. YEAH I FUCKING SAID IT. Not only is Robert Sheehan on it but there’s romance, betrayal, and hella violence. Sadly we never got the final season like we were promised and it sucks because the season 5 finale ended with someone huge DYING. If you love top tier television Love/Hate is the show for you. You will NOT be disappointed. Also did I mention Robert Sheehan was in it?

2. Broad City (2014 - 2019) Comedy Central

It’s kind of bizarre that I’ve never put one of my favorite shows of all time on any list here. If you didn’t know I was a huge Broad City fan well, now you do! Ugh what can I say about the wild NYC shenanigans of these two kweens!? Abbi (Abbi Jacobson) and Ilana (Ilana Glazer) are my favorite best friends on television because they just get each other and they’re also weird as actual fuck. The thing about Broad City is that it’s relatable to my age group. It discusses LGBTQ matters, talks about how taking medicine for your mental illness isn’t a weakness, and they’re constantly showing how expensive the real world actually is. There are so many things about this show I could say like how Melanie was never physically seen, Illana’s mother (Susie Essman), the gift that is Val, and how Shania Twain actually made a fucking cameo after all those lies Abbi told. Broad City will be greatly missed but remember kids; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rihanna!

1. Dark (2017 - ) Netflix

Ok I don’t know how many times I’ve mentioned this on my blog but for god fucking sake PLEASE WATCH THIS DAMN SHOW!!! It’s the best show Netflix has ever made and it’s a total mindfuck! It’s also the most cohesive show ever written. If you like your shows with excellent writing, acting, and small dashes of sci-fi this is the criminally underrated show for you! If you grow a brain and watch the first two seasons the third season will be out in 2020 but I’m going to predict that it’ll be out on June 27th, 2020. Netflix makes the best international shows and they’re the best they have to offer. Dark is a show where I’ve never guessed what was going to happen next and that’s why it’s my number one show of the decade.

[aaronleong]

Meet the Masters: Retail Entrepreneurs

Thursday, 28 November 2019

Photo: Scape

It was another one of those impromptu events which saw me at Orchard Road for the second consecutive day this week. It appeared as a sponsored post while I was scrolling through Facebook and seeing that the event will be featuring Rachel Lim, I was immediately sold. 

Co-founder of the highly successful womenswear brand, Love, Bonito, Rachel has been a talented businesswoman which I admired for a long time. It’s not often that one finds the rare opportunity to hear her speak in person, given her busy schedule, so I signed up without thinking any further.

The panel discussion 

Organised at SCAPE Gallery, the panel discussion shined the spotlight on four different local entrepreneurs and their journey in managing their businesses. While I primarily attended for Rachel, the entire discussion was underwhelming. 

As per the title of the event, I expected the dialogue to touch upon the future of retail and how these entrepreneurs are applying technology to enhance their businesses. However, the questions posed by the moderator substantially focused each brand’s origins. While it was interesting to know more about the other three panelists and what their businesses represented, I felt that travelling all the way into town wasn’t worth it, especially when info on a brand can be easily found on the Internet. Not to mention the moderator who spoke inaudibly for the most part with an awful Singaporean accent, making it difficult to comprehend the questions also.  

Questions that made me lose a few brain cells

Perhaps the most amusing for me was analysing the small crowd that attended the event. Around 30 participants, the predominantly male audience were in their late 20s to early 40s. Based on the questions that were submitted on Slido, a website that allowed audiences to submit queries to the speaker, I was able to roughly discern their psychographics. It was unusual when I perceived that the majority that attended this retail discussion were not business oriented with any knowledge in retail operations.

There is no such thing as a dumb question,” quoted author Carl Sagen. Despite being principally true, a better part of the questions challenged that belief, as seen in the above screenshot captured from the Slido event webpage. I wouldn’t even waste additional time explaining why except for the fact that many of these questions could have been easily answered on Google. It seemed that many individuals came to the panel discussion hoping to get easy answers to obvious queries. 

Questions that made me regain hope for humanity

While some questions were either outright illogical or touching upon a sensitive part of business operations which the owners will not publicly reveal, there were glimmers of hope for the audience yet as a few relevant questions were put forward. I felt that these queries truly encapsulated the event title, “The Future of Retail Entrepreneurship.” However, the future is digital as the questions suggested and apart from Love, Bonito, the other three entrepreneurs did not have sufficient capacity to provide advice, given their small business startups.  

The icon herself, Rachel Lim  

In retrospect, the biggest personal takeaway from this panel discussion was seeing Rachel in person for the first time. The discussion didn’t provide much to learn from but I was able to discover a little more about the Singaporean woman listed in Forbes’s 30 Under 30 list in 2016.

Throughout the discussion, I closely studied how she communicated and portrayed her body language in front of a public crowd. It was just as interesting as examining the placid personality of Thomas Shelby, the main character of Peaky Blinders, a crime drama on BBC. 

Often seen as joyous and full of energy in front of cameras, Rachel was, in fact, reserved yet confident when she interacted in an unknown environment. Modest with an air of sophistication, she epitomised the concept of a Love, Bonito woman. For someone who spent her life in Singapore, Rachel was articulate in her speech, revealing little of that dreaded local accent. 

In retrospect, Scape definitely requires brushing up on playing host to panel discussions and although it departed far from the main theme, Rachel was ultimately the saving grace of the event. The organisers at least did something right by inviting her because she absolutely delivered. Despite not having the opportunity to meet her personally, perhaps, that would be a story for another time. 

[ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes]

Dawn in Your Eyes Part 8

Summary: Alfie has little to no idea why Caroline ever gave him the time of day. The blind woman seemed far too sensible to even speak to him. But soon he finds himself falling helplessly in love.

Part 8: Equals. 

            “Aw, see now that’s a picture.”

            Caroline smiled as she bent down to slip off her shoes. She placed them to the side and sunk her toes into the sand. Even though it was fall, the sand still absorbed what was left of the summer sun. She sighed happily and enjoyed the feeling that was so foreign to city-living.

            Alfie stood back watching his wife bask in the sun. The setting was beautiful. He was sure any painter would bend backward at the chance to use her as their muse. She wore a long skirt and blouse with a wool coat over top. Her hair was pinned up beneath her headscarf. It was a fairly new tradition for them now that Caroline was a married woman. Jewish law ruled that she had to cover her hair.            

            The morning after their wedding, She had sat on the bed trying her best to properly fix the scarf with pins in her hair. But the smooth material kept slipping and she couldn’t manage her way without being able to see the pins.

            Frustrated, she asked Alfie to help. Going off the memory of how other Jewish women in Camden wore their hair, he fixed the scarf for her.

            Caroline had laughed softly and promised she would get the hang of it soon enough. But as Alfie knelt in front of her, he realized he would gladly give up five minutes every day to fix his wife’s hair.

            Cyril and Apollo were chasing each other around, barking and kicking up sands as they plowed along back and forth across the shore. Pilot dutifully laid down beside Caroline. His ears perked up whenever one of the dogs barked but he didn’t move.

            “Will you walk to the water?” Caroline reached out an arm to her husband.

            “It’ll be cold.” He warned but took her arm.

            “It’s always cold.” She smiled and walked beside him. Pilot lifted himself up and trotted after them, nosing at Caroline’s skirt.

            She began to feel the sand dampen under her feet as they got closer to the water’s edge. Alfie stopped and waited for the low tide to roll in and tickle her toes. She jolted a bit in surprise then giggled. “That isn’t cold, it’s freezing!”

            “Well, I did warn ya, love.” He reminded her.

            Cyril and Apollo came zooming in front of them, sprinting through the water and splash Alfie, Caroline, and Pilot.

            Alfie swore and Caroline laughed. Her laugh was enough to make him smile. Pilot shook the water droplets off his heavy coat and pressed his nose to his owner’s hand.

            “Let’s go sit, me hip is starting to give me trouble.” Alfie led Caroline over to where the sand was dryer. “Starting to be that time of year again.” He helped her sit first before settling down on the sand beside her with a grunt.

            “A bath will do you some good.” She cuddled into his side.

            “You think? Yeah, well, s’a fucking big tub in there. You could join me.” He said casually, with just a hint of mischief in his voice.

            “Alfie Solomons.” She giggled sheepishly and smacked his arm.

            “Purely for conserving some water, love, that’s all.” He replied cheekily.

            “Got your head in the clouds.” She teased and found his cheek to kiss softly.

            “Hey, I’m on my fucking honeymoon with my beautiful wife. My head can be in the clouds s’long as I want.” He murmured and tipped her chin up so he could kiss her proper.

            Neither of them saw or heard Apollo run up behind them and crash between them. His tail wagging, the big pawed puppy scrambled up Alfie’s chest to lick his face.

            “Oi, oi! Go play with Cyril, I don’t want ya fucking kissing me.” He picked up the pup and placed him on his feet away from them. “Go play.” He pointed toward Cyril who was sniffing at a clump of seaweed.

            Apollo barked and took off toward the bullmastiff, his legs flailing out in a disarrayed gait.

            “Gonna take a team or professionals to train that dog,” Alfie muttered.

            “My aunt’s trainers will be perfect for him,” Caroline assured him. “He’s eager, that’s all,” Alfie grumbled in response. She held his hand, grazing her thumb over his knuckles. His skin was rough from working and old scars. She could feel every flaw in his skin, even the slight raise of his tattoo. The map of a man with a tough exterior. Callouses, scars, and abrasions. “I have to tell you, you surprised me last night.”

            “Last night? Why?” He asked. Suddenly he was afraid that he’d done something wrong to put her off.

            “Well I-I know you’re not as harsh as you come across to other people. But I thought that maybe, I dunno, maybe you’d be rougher with me.” She admitted shyly. Love and intimacy weren’t things openly talked about in their community. That was purely between a wife and husband. But Caroline knew that it would take some time before she was accustomed to talking about sex out loud. She had to remember that Alfie was probably the least judgmental person in her life and she could talk to him about anything. Especially about the moment they shared the night before. Still, her cheeks went red.

            Alfie’s brow furrowed. “Why would I want to be rough with you?” He asked. The thought never crossed his mind even for a second. Seeing his wife giving herself up to him, being extremely vulnerable, trusting him to take care of her, to show her something she’d never experienced before.

            “You just seem…” She laughed nervously.

            “Dominant.” He finished for her. He kept his tone gentle as to not shame her for speaking so openly to him. In fact, he was happy she trusted him so much to talk about something that was normally kept quiet.

            “Yes.” She chewed on her lip.

            “Maybe out in the business world. Sorta hafta be, don’t I? Can’t let other people walk all over me, can I?” He encased her hand in his. “But you don’t walk all over me. You and I, we’re equals, ain’t we?”

            “Equals?” She raised an eyebrow in disagreement. “I don’t think…”

            “Husband and wife. You need me and I need you. Mutual relationship, we’re equals.” Alfie boiled it down simply with a shrug. “I ain’t never gonna think I’m above you. Why would I? You’re intelligent, caring, selfless, beautiful, sweet-”

            Caroline laughed softly and interrupted him before he could take up the rest of the hour praising her. “Well, I’ll never see myself above you. You’re clever, smart, gentle, kind, handsome, perfect in every way.”

            He smiled. “Then we’re equals.”

            “I suppose so.” She murmured.

            Pulling her closer, he kissed her forehead. “I wouldn’t want to be rough with you.” He continued. “Just want you in me arms at the end of the day.”

            “I’d like that very much.”

            “Good. Then it’s settled.”

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

            Alfie spent the next morning on the phone with Ollie. He’d only meant to check in with his assistant to make sure things were running smoothly. Unfortunately, things were not running smoothly. There was an attack on a few of Alfie’s bookies, an attempt to scare them away from the track. It was most certainly the Italians. The Irish were too busy with Tommy Shelby to target Camden Town. Sabini, however, had more than enough time to harass Alfie’s bookies.

            After speaking with Ollie, Alfie hung up and started to make calls to remedy the situation. Setting up parlays and counterattacks. It was a bit harder when he wasn’t there in the middle of the action. He was so much more effective when he could yell and throw things. Over the phone, he wasn’t as intimidating.

            Caroline came into the room about an hour after Alfie sat down at his desk. She looked worried, concerned that something was wrong back home.

            He set his phone aside when his wife walked in. “Yeah, love, you alright?”

            “Yes, I was just wondering if you were. You’ve been in here for a while.” She reached out to touch the desk, finding her way around to Alfie’s leather desk chair.

            He turned and rested his hands on her hips. “I know, I’m sorry. Won’t be much longer, just taking care of a few things.”

            “Do you need to go back home?”

            He frowned. “’Course not. I ain’t cutting our honeymoon short.” He promised.

            “Alfie, if something’s wrong and you need to take care of it, I don’t mind. I understand if-”

            “Love, you don’t hafta worry.” He shook his head. “I’ve called in reinforcements. Granted, I’m taking a risk but I think it’ll pay off.”

            That didn’t sound too reassuring to her. “Who?”

            “Tommy Shelby. He’s always looking to have a little fun causing trouble. He can cause trouble for Sabini for me.”

            “Alfie…are you sure?” Caroline didn’t know much about the Peaky Blinders. Only what she heard in passing from Alfie and brief whispers. They were Brummies who were gaining a lot of power, according to some sources. Alfie didn’t seem too worried about them, there were closer threats. But he had mused at their usefulness. Mostly to Ollie, not to his wife. Best to keep men like Tommy Shelby away from her.      

            “If they want to raise a little hell for Sabini, then that only helps me.”

            Caroline sighed and rested her hands over his. “I trust you but I would exercise some caution.”

            “I always do, love.”   

  Permanent Tag: @sansajonsastark​

Tag list: @zazasblogxx​ @thinkingsofamadwoman​

Masterlist